Senior Member SeanT1 Posted October 6, 2021 Senior Member Share Posted October 6, 2021 (edited) Hello everyone! This thread will be my log of my hair transplant progress by Elithair ( Dr. Balwi ). I will update the first post regularly with new images and updates as time goes on. This will be an interesting Journey as the clinic is considered a Hair mill on the forums. I'll leave a full review in a year's time in the correct forum location.Background: I naturally have fairly thin hair, I have been on Finasteride 6 months prior to the operation with no side effects. Minoxidil gave me a bad reaction. Being only 25 and having a receding hairline was an insecurity of mine. I chose Elithairtransplant based on videos from a youtuber called "Follicle Freedom" and another called "Hairline Confessions), both YouTubers had similar hair to me and had fantastic results at this clinic for the price. Trip to Istanbul and the clinic itself: I was quoted 2000 Euro for FUE 3400 grafts (similar to the Youtubers mentioned above), hotel pre-paid as well as breakfast. I stayed a total of 5 days. They also sorted out transport between the airport/hotel/clinic. The clinic itself was inside a hospital which was comforting, met a lot of nice people too. Staff were quite friendly and the clinic itself looked professional. Dr. Balwi did an analyses on my current hair situation prior to the surgery. He recommended FUE for the hairline and DHI where I had existing hair, this costed an extra 400 Euro so be cautious of this. The procedure: Dr. Balwi did NOT do the procedure itself, instead it was done by technicians. This is seen as a red flag by some people understandably. Regardless, the 8 hour procedure went smoothly, I literally slept through it. It seems they correctly put single hair grafts in the front and multi's in the back. I'll get to this later. Post operation Images (1 month prior to operation): Post operation Images (4 months prior to operation): Day of operation: During operation: Day 1 post operation: Swollen as expected, but the swelling never went down to my eyes, awesome. 5 Days post operation: Most of the blood has came off, now it's just crazy scabbing. It seems the transplanted follicles swell up after interacting with water. 6 Days post operation: I thought this would be worth mentioning, due to the crust; the hair began to split and make canyons. This is normal and should not affect the final result. 10 Days post operation: The scabs all came off without ease, simply by rubbing the area gently. Awesome! ______________________ MILESTONE 1 ____________________ 28 Days post operation: Shedding has just begun, we're losing around 20-40 hairs in the shower. I'm surprised this didn't happen sooner. 30 Days post operation: Aha, now this is where I made my first mistake. I went to a clinic to get PRP treatment, I've never had it before. However, they used PRP micro-needling. Essentially they put plasma all over my scalp and then used a derma-pen between 0.4mm-1.0mm. More shedding occurred as the procedure was taken place. My hair was certainly thinner. When returning home elithair told me that dermapens shouldn't be used until the two months mark. I worry that this has damaged my grafts. If anyone has any feedback please let me know! (Update due in one month's time) Edited October 7, 2021 by SeanToman 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member SeanT1 Posted October 6, 2021 Author Senior Member Share Posted October 6, 2021 (edited) The post above will be edited as time goes on. A little bit of background; I take biotin supplements every day, Other than being vegetarian I have no dietary restrictions. I've been on finasteride 6 months prior to the surgery. I personally didn't notice any hair growth but at the same time I didn't notice hair loss either so I think it was working its magic. If anyone knows how deep transplanted follicles are placed into the scalp please let me know as it'll help ease my conscious from the mistake I made with a dermapen! Edited October 6, 2021 by SeanToman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valued Contributor Gatsby Posted October 6, 2021 Valued Contributor Share Posted October 6, 2021 At 30 days post op I wouldn't get too hung up on the derma pen. Grafts are planted a lot lower than 1mm. Also if you are not getting side effects from finasteride then I strongly recommend that you stick with it. It can take up to two years to see it's full effects! All the best! 2 GATSBY 'UNPLUGGED!' 15,671 (3 surgeries) Grafts FUE+BHT Dr. Sethi Eugenix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member SeanT1 Posted October 6, 2021 Author Senior Member Share Posted October 6, 2021 (edited) 4 hours ago, Gatsby said: At 30 days post op I wouldn't get too hung up on the derma pen. Grafts are planted a lot lower than 1mm. Also if you are not getting side effects from finasteride then I strongly recommend that you stick with it. It can take up to two years to see it's full effects! All the best! Thank you Gatsby, my thoughts exactly. I think I'm panicked due to the fact that a lot of hair fell out during the procedure, but again this hair is expected to fall out regardless as I'm only a month post operation. Do you know how deep a graft is planted? Edited October 6, 2021 by SeanToman 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valued Contributor Gatsby Posted October 7, 2021 Valued Contributor Share Posted October 7, 2021 11 hours ago, SeanToman said: Do you know how deep a graft is planted? From 3-5mm depending on how tall the follicle is. 2 GATSBY 'UNPLUGGED!' 15,671 (3 surgeries) Grafts FUE+BHT Dr. Sethi Eugenix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member SeanT1 Posted October 7, 2021 Author Senior Member Share Posted October 7, 2021 (edited) 10 hours ago, Gatsby said: From 3-5mm depending on how tall the follicle is. Thank you, Interestingly... when I woke this morning I noticed that the "pinkage" color of my scalp has faded A LOT. I wonder if this is a result of the PRP derma pen treatment. Curious. I replaced the images above to ones that had better lighting for reference. Let's go with the assumption that the hair that fell out during the derma pen treatment was expected to fall out at any moment anyway and it simply forced them out and no damaged happened to the transplanted area itself. Edited October 7, 2021 by SeanToman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member SeanT1 Posted November 2, 2021 Author Senior Member Share Posted November 2, 2021 (edited) Hello everyone! It seems the main thread is no longer editable, so I'll continue to post updates as replies. 🙂 8 weeks post operation: It's very close to the two month mark, only a few more days! I thought I'd share some images of how things are going (including donor) as I plan to shave my head next week with a razer down to a number 3 (all over) until more hairs appear. In a previous thread someone mentioned that it's better to just let the hair continue to grow than to shave until the three month mark. Let me know if anyone has thoughts on this. Anywho, here you are! Edited November 2, 2021 by SeanToman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member SeanT1 Posted November 9, 2021 Author Senior Member Share Posted November 9, 2021 Hello again, I shaved my donor area to give you all a look as to how things are under the longer hair. The transplanted area is still very patchy but I suppose that's expected at two months. Hope this helps someone! 9 Weeks Post Operation: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member SeanT1 Posted November 29, 2021 Author Senior Member Share Posted November 29, 2021 (edited) Hello everyone, we've reached twelve weeks which is close enough to three months! Being honest, I'd expect a bit more growth than this when I compared to other users on this forum at three months. Am I wrong to think this or do you think there should be more growth? I trimmed the hairs on top as they were getting a little ridiculous in size! It's kind of strange to explain but it seems like my hairline itself is thicker then the transplanted area inbetween this and my natural hair is very patchy? So it looks like there is a line across my head.12 Weeks Post Operation: Edited November 29, 2021 by SeanToman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member SeanT1 Posted January 7, 2022 Author Senior Member Share Posted January 7, 2022 Happy new year everyone! I hope the start of this year has been great for you all. I'm now at exactly four months (not sixteen weeks), Being honest, I do feel a bit behind compared to a lot of other people on this forum at 4 months. It's as if it's only getting longer rather than denser. But I've been told that the majority of people would have similar results to this and that thicker results at 4 months is not the norm. I'll leave several images in different lighting situations for your honest thoughts! 4 Months Post Operation: 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Gokuhairline Posted January 8, 2022 Senior Member Share Posted January 8, 2022 nice. hair storm coming soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hair_transplant_observer Posted January 16, 2022 Share Posted January 16, 2022 (edited) Did you have to stop taking finasteride before the surgery? I've been told to stop 2 weeks beforehand. Also, thanks for posting this details, what made you chose Elithair over Dr. Cinik or Now Hair Time or Vera Clinic (other hair mills) as it's being described. I would really like your input as I'm looking to do the surgery in the next couple of weeks. Edited January 16, 2022 by hair_transplant_observer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member SeanT1 Posted January 16, 2022 Author Senior Member Share Posted January 16, 2022 15 minutes ago, hair_transplant_observer said: Did you have to stop taking finasteride before the surgery? I've been told to stop 2 weeks beforehand. Also, thanks for posting this details, what made you chose Elithair over Dr. Cinik or Now Hair Time or Vera Clinic (other hair mills) as it's being described. I would really like your input as I'm looking to do the surgery in the next couple of weeks. Hi, they do tell you this, but to be honest I forgot about it and didn't stop using finasteride lol. I stopped for the first week AFTER the transplant though. You can stay at the hotel for extra nights than the package if you like (something like £20-40), it means they'll clean your scalp for free each additional day if you worry about this. I chose elithair based on results I seen on YouTube, however the forum rules show that I can't provide a link. But if you type in; 'folliclefreedom', 'hairlineconfessions' or 'hairwolf', you'll see some great results. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member SeanT1 Posted February 7, 2022 Author Senior Member Share Posted February 7, 2022 (edited) Hey again everyone, I'm now at five months post operation. I personally felt like not a whole lot has changed, but then I looked at the month four photos again and noticed that my hair does look thicker. There isn't really any new growth, rather just the thickening of the existing transplanted hairs. Time will tell! In darker lighting, the transplant looks great, whereas in very vibrant & exposed lighting, you can see straight through to my scalp. I'll include some samples. Please note that I've been shaving my crown & sides with electric hair clippers, being honest I might've shaved the crown down a bit too much! 5 Months Post Operation: OUTSIDE INSIDE Edited February 7, 2022 by SeanToman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member SeanT1 Posted March 7, 2022 Author Senior Member Share Posted March 7, 2022 (edited) SIX MONTHS! I am so happy to be at the 6th month mark, it's a milestone I've been looking forward to documenting. I have a lot to say regarding the results, but I'll try to keep it brief & to the point. LIGHTING MATTERS. Prior to going to surgery, I watch a lot of youtubers who got hair transplants and followed their journey. By the six month mark, a lot of creators looked as if they had a very THICK & DENSE hairline compared to mine. However, I noticed that this was always with indoor lighting and not outdoor. Upon further inspection of the youtubers, you can see that the sun is an enemy to anyone with a hair transplant. It causes hair to look much thinner. I've been taking photos right at an outdoor window for the worse case light to see the worse case scenario. I'm mixed with how I feel about my results since I came into this seeing all these youtubers with certain lighting situations. My transplant appears to be where it needs to be! It's not as dense as I hoped for, but that's delusional thinking. I'll include samples facing my window as usual, then turning away from it so you can see how much lighting affects the result. (Apologies, just out of the shower so my face is a bit dry) 6 Months Post Operation: (Away from window) (Mixed / Half way between window) (Side by side sample as to why lighting matters; these images are in the same room, same day, same minute, just slightly different lighting/angle) Edited March 8, 2022 by SeanToman 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Melvin- Admin Posted March 7, 2022 Administrators Share Posted March 7, 2022 It’s definitely looking a lot better good progress 👏🏼 1 I’m a paid admin for Hair Transplant Network. I do not receive any compensation from any clinic. My comments are not medical advice. Check out my final hair transplant and topical dutasteride journey: View my thread Topical dutasteride journey Melvin- Managing Publisher and Forum Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q&A Blog. Follow our Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and YouTube. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member SeanT1 Posted March 8, 2022 Author Senior Member Share Posted March 8, 2022 8 hours ago, Melvin- Moderator said: It’s definitely looking a lot better good progress 👏🏼 Thank you! Just added a side by side comparison in regards to lighting. Do you also experience similar issues depending on the environment you're in? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Melvin- Admin Posted March 8, 2022 Administrators Share Posted March 8, 2022 19 hours ago, SeanToman said: Thank you! Just added a side by side comparison in regards to lighting. Do you also experience similar issues depending on the environment you're in? Lighting is everything. It can make your hair transplant look successful or like a failure. 1 I’m a paid admin for Hair Transplant Network. I do not receive any compensation from any clinic. My comments are not medical advice. Check out my final hair transplant and topical dutasteride journey: View my thread Topical dutasteride journey Melvin- Managing Publisher and Forum Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q&A Blog. Follow our Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and YouTube. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member drawdownfx Posted March 8, 2022 Senior Member Share Posted March 8, 2022 Thanks for posting your journey! from what it was to now it's definitely a LOT better but I too am just learning about this lighting condition as yourself. I didn't know that it can have such a drastic difference on your transplanted hair appearance :(. On a sunny day then do you just have to accept people seeing you with a thinning hair line or does fibers usually fix that? or does this problem differ from person to person 1 My hair transplant Journey with Dr. Freitas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member SeanT1 Posted March 8, 2022 Author Senior Member Share Posted March 8, 2022 (edited) 39 minutes ago, drawdownfx said: Thanks for posting your journey! from what it was to now it's definitely a LOT better but I too am just learning about this lighting condition as yourself. I didn't know that it can have such a drastic difference on your transplanted hair appearance :(. On a sunny day then do you just have to accept people seeing you with a thinning hair line or does fibers usually fix that? or does this problem differ from person to person Hi, nice to hear from you. I don't believe hair fibers would work on the frontal area; it's more so for masking the crown. SMP is kinda like permanent hair fibres that hide your scalp, not sure if SMP can look natural on the front area either. I suppose on sunny days we can have our hair "down" hiding the hairline (depending on how well your crown area is)? Have you begun your hair transplant journey? Edited March 8, 2022 by SeanToman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member drawdownfx Posted March 9, 2022 Senior Member Share Posted March 9, 2022 21 hours ago, SeanToman said: Hi, nice to hear from you. I don't believe hair fibers would work on the frontal area; it's more so for masking the crown. SMP is kinda like permanent hair fibres that hide your scalp, not sure if SMP can look natural on the front area either. I suppose on sunny days we can have our hair "down" hiding the hairline (depending on how well your crown area is)? Have you begun your hair transplant journey? I thought hair down would yield same reveal through the scalp in harsh sunlight, hows your hair like when it is down in harsh sunlight, can you see through? I am beginning my journey in September, can't wait! My hair transplant Journey with Dr. Freitas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Britanium Posted March 9, 2022 Senior Member Share Posted March 9, 2022 The natural enemy of a ht ? Water, Overhead lighting and the sun… oh and wind.. all these can combine to show the illusion of hair in the worst way. It’s why the right cut, length and styling can be so important. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member SeanT1 Posted March 9, 2022 Author Senior Member Share Posted March 9, 2022 5 minutes ago, drawdownfx said: I thought hair down would yield same reveal through the scalp in harsh sunlight, hows your hair like when it is down in harsh sunlight, can you see through? I am beginning my journey in September, can't wait! Hi, I'll try to take some images tomorrow in the sun; it's been raining this week so here's hoping. Excited for you to start in September, that's when I went last year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member SeanT1 Posted March 9, 2022 Author Senior Member Share Posted March 9, 2022 Just now, J.A.C said: The natural enemy of a ht ? Water, Overhead lighting and the sun… oh and wind.. all these can combine to show the illusion of hair in the worst way. It’s why the right cut, length and styling can be so important. What is your hair style preference? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Britanium Posted March 9, 2022 Senior Member Share Posted March 9, 2022 3 minutes ago, SeanToman said: What is your hair style preference? Mine looks better kept medium length and using a side swept style. I have to keep the back longer after FUT&FUE. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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